The highly-anticipated TV adaptation of the critically-acclaimed game The Last of Us finally hit the screens in 2023. Fans can finally watch Joel and Ellie make the arduous trek across post-apocalyptic America to the Fireflies hiding in Salt Lake City. But not everyone can tune into the show, as HBO Max is only available to a limited number of countries.
If you’re one of the unfortunate ones who live in unsupported areas, VPNs are your best bet. These tools let you change your IP address to another location, granting access to region-locked services and content. Read on to find out where and how to watch The Last of Us online today.
| Stream The Last of Us | |
| Season starts: | January 15, 2023 |
| Available on: | HBO Max, Now TV, Binge, Crave |
| Stream anywhere: | NordVPN, now 57% off |
How to watch The Last of Us with a VPN
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN. Our top-rated service is NordVPN, now 57% off
- Download the VPN app and install it on the device of your choice
- Connect to a server located in a country where HBO Max is available (e.g US)
- Finally stream The Last of Us!
Shortlist of the best VPN to watch The Last of Us
- The best VPN to stream The Last of Us online9.6
- Secure VPN to access HBO Max from anywhere9.4
- Affordable VPN to watch The Last of Us series9.0
Why do you need a VPN to stream The Last of Us
As we pointed out earlier, HBO Max, the streaming platform with the rights to The Last of Us, isn’t available everywhere. Currently, only residents in the US and a few countries in Europe and Latin America have access to this service. In some cases, you can watch the show via local distributors, but again, it depends on the country.
Unlucky fans don’t have much choice but to look for workarounds. The best one is streaming VPNs oriented towards effectively bypassing geographical restrictions. And these will even improve your speeds for a smooth streaming experience in case your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is throttling your bandwidth.
We also want to point out that VPNs are great for general online security. They encrypt your internet traffic with an unbreakable cipher, preventing third parties from snooping on you. Some providers even come with perks meant to improve your browsing efforts, such as ad & malware blockers, obfuscated servers, and such.
Best VPNs for watching The Last of Us
Keep in mind that not any premium VPN is right for the job. We specifically looked for those with large server networks, the latest tunneling protocols, and robust security measures. Broad device compatibility was also considered since HBO Max is available on various streaming peripherals.
1. NordVPN – the top VPN to watch The Last of Us
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5400
24/7 live chat, Email
- Fastest speeds in the industry
- SmartPlay to unlock streaming platforms
- Independently audited and secure
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
Stream The Last of Us series today with NordVPN. The service comes with a massive network of 5400+ RAM-only servers across 60+ countries, so getting access to HBO Max is easy. And with the proprietary NordLynx protocol powering your connections, you’ll enjoy buffer-free streams in 4K UHD quality.
NordVPN packs a punch protection-wise. Subscribers get such features as obfuscated servers for hiding VPN usage, Threat Protection for defeating ads & malware, and split tunneling for customizing the VPN connection. Plus, you can secure several devices with 6 simultaneous connections.
The provider is quite capable of circumventing geo-blocks, so HBO Max isn’t the only platform you’ll unlock. It also works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many other popular streaming services. As for device support, NordVPN offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems, along with Android TV and Amazon Firestick. There’s even a Kodi add-on.
$3.49/month isn’t much to pay to be able to watch The Last of Us. Of course, you can try getting a better deal with NordVPN discount codes. There’s also no risk in subscribing, seeing as the plans are protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – fast VPN with unlimited connections
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3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- No device limit
- Smart DNS for smooth streaming
- Excellent performance with WireGuard
- Some features cost extra
Another VPN you’ll be able to watch The Last of Us TV series with is Surfshark. You get access to the largest region selection in the industry – 3200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Moreover, your viewing experience will be smooth as butter due to the service’s superb performance. It’s achieved thanks to the great implementation of WireGuard.
Streaming enthusiasts who also focus on security will find Surfshark’s features especially useful. NoBorders and Camouflage modes help deal with restrictive networks, while MultiHop routes internet traffic via two servers for double the encryption. Then there’s Bypasser, which lets you select which apps work only when you’re connected to the VPN.
Besides HBO Max, Surfshark VPN easily unblocks many streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar. You’ll be able to watch anything you want on PCs, mobiles, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and plenty of other supported devices. And the household won’t be fighting over the remote with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Unlock The Last of Us and everything HBO Max offers for only $2.30/month. Just don’t forget to apply a Surfshark coupon during checkout to pay less for the VPN. If the service doesn’t live up to your expectations, getting a refund is an option with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. Atlas VPN – all-rounder VPN with dedicated streaming servers
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Email, tickets, FAQ
- WireGuard for superb speeds
- Unlocks popular streaming platforms
- Infinite connections
- No router firmware
Atlas VPN is another great provider that lets you watch The Last of Us from anywhere. The fleet of 750+ servers in 37+ countries has connection points in all the right places for HBO Max. What’s more, circumventing the platform’s restrictions won’t be a problem, especially if you pick streaming-optimized servers for the job.
A subscription nets you more than just a great streaming experience. Atlas VPN comes with a Tracker Blocker (ad & malware blocker), MultiHop+ (twice the encryption), and SafeSwap (periodically rotate your IP). Split tunneling is also available, but only for Android devices.
YouTube TV, Netflix, and HBO Max are but a few streaming services Atlas VPN is able to unlock. Unlimited simultaneous connections also mean everyone in the house can watch what they want separately. Lastly, the provider includes streamlined applications for Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Firestick.
The pricing for this VPN starts at $2.05/month, but you can potentially lower the price with an Atlas VPN code. And the 30-day money-back guarantee is there, just in case. While the service has a free version, we can’t recommend it in this case since it doesn’t support streaming.
For a deeper investigation of Atlas VPN, read our Atlas VPN review.
How we selected these VPNs to watch The Last of Us series
Not every service is capable of effectively bypassing geo-restrictions. Moreover, some can’t ensure a great streaming experience. That’s why we tested various VPNs according to particular criteria. The ones that made it onto our list check these boxes:
- Global network. The more servers in countries where HBO Max is available, the better. It’s also great for performance since connecting to the ones nearest to you improves latency.
- Optimal performance. Every VPN implements tunneling protocols differently, so testing their speeds is necessary. Our picks were lightning-fast while streaming on HBO Max and other platforms, with virtually no buffering. You can also check the performance yourself with our VPN speed testing tool.
- Broad device compatibility. You can view HBO Max on a vast array of devices. These include streaming peripherals like Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Kodi, Roku, Apple TV, etc. The chosen providers support all, if not most, of these.
- Security & privacy. Your online identity has to be hidden entirely to circumvent blocks successfully. Thus, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection are mandatory. Furthermore, the VPNs must be reliable, so we also checked their no-logs policies.
- Affordable pricing. Our selected HBO Max VPNs fall into a reasonable price range, so you won’t have to pay much to stream The Last of Us online. Plus, you can also expect seamless streams and great video quality.
Still, NordVPN is unbeatable in almost every aspect. It has the fastest speeds in the industry, a sizable server fleet, and excellent security measures. Getting access to HBO Max or any other streaming service proved to be quick & easy many times.
NordVPN quickly unblocks HBO Max and many other popular streaming platforms worldwide. Benefit from the fastest speeds in the industry, a massive server network, and robust security measures. Plus, the SmartPlay feature lets you efficiently bypass geo-blocks on streaming peripherals.
How to watch The Last of Us from your country
Due to strict licensing agreements, HBO Max can’t distribute its services to a large number of countries. Potential users interested in the platform’s content are left looking for ways to bypass this either via VPNs or local distributors.
Watch The Last of Us in the UK
- Sign up with a VPN with UK servers. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, with almost 600 servers in Britain.
- Get the software and set it up on the device you’re going to stream on
- Connect to a server in the United Kingdom
- Register an account at a streaming service where The Last of Us is available. In this country, it’s Sky Atlantic and NOW.
- Sit back and enjoy the show!
Watch The Last of Us in Canada
- Pick a VPN with plenty of servers in Canada. NordVPN is a great choice, with almost 250 servers in Canada alone.
- Download the VPN application suitable for your device
- Select a server located in Canada
- Sign up with a streaming platform that offers The Last of Us. The best option for Canada is Crave.
- Grab your popcorn and watch the tumultuous trek across America!
Watch The Last of Us in Australia
- Subscribe to an Australia VPN. You can never go wrong with NordVPN, with almost 200 servers in Australia.
- Set up the VPN client on the device of your choice
- Pick a server in Canada and connect to it
- Create an account on a streaming platform with The Last of Us on it. In Australia, it’s Binge and Foxtel.
- Stream the Last of Us from the comfort of your couch!
How to watch The Last of Us on different devices
You can watch The Last of Us series on several streaming platforms. And each supports various devices and streaming peripherals. If you want a smooth viewing experience without additional setup hassles, we recommend subscribing to VPN compatible with your device.
Stream The Last of Us on phones (Android & iOS)
- Subscribe to a VPN with dedicated apps for Android and iOS. NordVPN offers streamlined applications for both operating systems.
- Download the appropriate VPN app for your phone from the Google Play or Apple App Stores
- Connect to a server located in the United States
- Create an account on HBO Max and begin streaming!
Stream The Last of Us on PC (Windows & mac)
- Pick a VPN suitable for Windows and macOS PCs. Our top-rated provider is NordVPN, with user-friendly applications.
- Get the dedicated VPN client for your computer from the provider’s official website
- Select a US server and connect to it
- Sign up for HBO Max, find The Last of Us in the library, and enjoy the show!
Stream The Last of Us on Smart TV
- Sign up for a VPN that offers router support. You can set up NordVPN to work with lots of routers.
- Manually configure the VPN with your router
- Pick a server in the US
- Connect your Smart TV to the newly-secured network
- Download the HBO Max app from the store and sign into your account
- Watch Joel and Ellie bond whilst traveling to Salt Lake City!
Where to watch The Last of Us online
While HBO Max isn’t available in every country, some regions are lucky enough to have local distributors that offer content from it. While it’s not much, at least it gives people more options. Here’s where you can watch The Last of US in other locations:
| Streaming platform | Country | Price | Free trial |
| HBO Max | The US | $15.99/month | No |
| Sky Atlantic | The UK, Ireland | £29.00/month | 1 month |
| Now TV | The UK | £9.99/month | 7 days |
| Disney+ Hotstar | India | ₹299/month | 1 month |
| Neon | New Zealand | $12.99/month | 7 days |
| Binge | Australia | $10.00/month | 14 days |
| Crave | Canada | $19.99/month | 7 days |
These are also accessible only to residents of their respective countries. If you want to get your hands on The Last of Us TV show on these or HBO Max, you’ll have to change your IP address.
How to watch The Last of Us online for free
Technically, it’s possible to watch the show without paying a dime. You’ll have to combine free trials of both streaming services and virtual private networks. HBO Max doesn’t offer one, but plenty of local distributors do:
- Sky Atlantic – 1-month free trial
- Now TV – 7-day free trial
- Disney+ Hotstar – 1-month free trial
- Neon – 7-day free trial
- Binge – 14-day free trial
- Crave – 7-day free trial
All of them are geo-locked to specific countries, so you’ll have to utilize a suitable VPN with plenty of servers in all the right regions. Though we strongly recommend opting for free VPN trials instead of “actually free” services. With the former, you get access to all features, albeit for a limited time, and there are a few caveats with the latter. We’re talking about:
- Problems with geo-blocks. Free VPNs aren’t known for having industry-standard encryption or robust circumvention features. If you can’t stay hidden because your IP or DNS is leaking all over the place, then forget about accessing geographically-restricted content.
- Inability to stream. Most don’t support streaming because users would be hogging all the bandwidth, making the already less-than-stellar performance even worse. In case you manage to find one that does, videos will be stuck on endless buffering due to all the speed and data caps.
- Security risks. It’s not unheard of free providers logging user data and then selling it to advertisers and other third parties. Some even go so far as to inject malware into their applications, which track you even while you’re not connected to the VPN.
Can’t watch The Last of Us with a VPN: solutions
HBO Max is known for having a harsh stance against VPN technology, blocking IP addresses associated with them left, right, and center. If you’re having trouble accessing the platform, several things might be happening:
- You’re connected to a server that is blacklisted by HBO Max
- The tunneling protocol can’t unblock the streaming platform
- Your actual IP address and DNS requests are leaking, revealing your actual whereabouts
- Web cookies stored in your browser’s cache are leaking your location
- The GPS location of your device doesn’t match the VPN’s IP address region
- If you’ve tried installing the VPN on your router, its TAP drivers were probably corrupted in the process
These are things that you can quickly solve yourself. Here’s what you have to do:
- Select another server in the same country and try accessing HBO Max again
- If the provider includes any other tunneling protocols, switch to them
- Perform an IP & DNS leak test and ensure all VPN security features are turned on
- Clear your web browser’s cache and use Incognito mode
- Disable your phone’s GPS tracking feature
- Delete the current TAP drivers and install new ones
Of course, the issue might lie with the VPN itself, as it might not be able to unblock HBO Max. You can find out whether it can by contacting the provider’s customer support. And if that’s the case, you’ll simply have to switch to a reliable VPN that works with this streaming service.
All you need to know about The Last of Us
The Last of Us TV show is based on the critically-acclaimed video game of the same name. The world has been ravaged by humans infected with a mutated fungus, and 2 years later, survivors are trying to live fulfilling lives in totalitarian quarantine zones or independent groups.
Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) is a smuggler tasked with escorting a feisty teenage girl named Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) to the rebel militia group known as the Fireflies. Soon we learn that Ellie is immune to the infection, and delivering her to the right people might result in a cure that will save the rest of humanity.
The journey ahead is filled with dangers of all kinds, both from mutants and fellow human beings. It’s even worse that Joel and Ellie can’t see eye to eye, with their conflicts making the journey much more complicated. But the road to Salt Lake City is long – maybe the two will learn to trust each other along the way.
The Last of Us episode release dates
| Episode | Title | Release date |
| 1 | When You’re Lost in the Darkness | January 15, 2023 |
| 2 | Infected | January 22, 2023 |
| 3 | Long, Long Time | January 29, 2023 |
| 4 | Please Hold to My Hand | February 5, 2023 |
| 5 | Endure and Survive | February 10, 2023 |
| 6 | Kin | February 19, 2023 |
| 7 | Left Behind | February 26, 2023 |
| 8 | When We Are in Need | March 5, 2023 |
| 9 | Look for the Light | March 12, 2023 |
Final thoughts
The Last of Us is an excellent drama about human nature and building a family in a world where doing so seems impossible. Depending on your country, you can watch it on HBO Max and plenty of other local distributors.
If the show is unavailable in your region, it’s possible to access it with the help of VPNs. Our top-rated providers, like NordVPN, have lots of servers in the US and other suitable countries, along with strong geo-block bypassing measures. And since most include the latest tunneling protocols, you’ll enjoy lag-free 4K UHD videos.
Are you liking this adaptation of The Last of Us so far? Share your thoughts below!
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FAQ
Where can I see The Last of Us in UK?
Those located in the UK can watch The Last of Us TV series on Sky Atlantic or Now TV. These are United Kingdom-only, so if you live outside the country or are traveling abroad, you will need a UK IP address to access the streaming services.
Is The Last of Us on Netflix?
No, The Last of Us is not available on Netflix. The TV series is produced by HBO, so it’s only available on HBO Max and licensed to affiliated local distributors in other countries. We have a list of streaming services where you can watch The Last of Us.
Is The Last of Us on Disney Plus?
The Last of Us is only available on the Disney+ Hotstar version of the service. It’s India-only, so those traveling abroad or living outside the country need an Indian IP address to use the streaming platform.
Is The Last of Us on Amazon Prime?
No, The Last of Us is not available on Amazon Prime. HBO is the creator of the show, and it won’t likely share the rights to stream it to competitor services.
